Turning Pages A Journey of Submission in Arizona by Mario and Lori Ciotola
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship!” (Rom. 12:1)
As Lori and I embarked on a journey from Wisconsin to Page, AZ, it became evident that the good Lord was guiding us toward a new chapter in our lives. Despite well-meaning advice from friends encouraging us to embrace retirement and tread cautiously into the unknown, God’s call resonated within us, sparking a passion for service within the Navajo nation. Here we are in Page, AZ, turning another ‘page’ of our lives and seeking to establish connections within the nearby Navajo reservation and immerse ourselves in the culture and the Navajo language.
What Lori and I are discovering—echoing the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1—is that when the Lord called us to serve in His field, He was not just asking us to ‘offer’ something to Him, but truly to offer our very selves, to be presented as a living sacrifice. After all, what could we truly offer? Our life experiences, our academic achievements, our unique talents, our noble intentions, and even our carefully laid plans, etc.? What he has asked of us is to “present” ourselves just as we are and to be ready for the Master’s use.
In fact, it has become clear that all those qualities mentioned above—though integral ingredients of our stories—at this stage, in this situation, are not necessary. We want to humbly ‘present ourselves’ at the little church in Cedar Ridge in the middle of the high desert and help do what we can with the strength God gives us: sharing short messages from the Word of God – if we’re asked to (in English, but with the help of some summary translation), assisting in wheeling the pastor who is in a wheelchair before the service, speaking a few words with some of the Navajo women who come to church. At times, we visit the nearby humble homes of some of the widows who show us all the pictures of their family on the wall, the sheep that they may have, or visit them when they sell Navajo jewelry at the market in the Reservation
The Navajo language is a challenge. While many Navajos in the city, and some on the Reservation speak English, we desire to learn the language. By doing so, we can understand more of the culture. Many Navajos are well established in the city of Page with the security of a job, financial stability… but within the reservation, it is another story. We want to be present; we want to help without imposing anything. Lori and I just want to be servants… and we are also enjoying our ‘retirement’ in these beautiful regions!
Come to visit us! Be advised though, that our Lord may whisper a call to you “to present your bodies” as well in these regions, and to serve Him among the Navajos.
– Mario and Lori Ciotola, Volunteer staff in Navajo Nation